The Gauteng Department of Health condemns in the strongest possible terms the attack on Tshwane District vaccination team on Saturday, 04 December 2021 in Soshanguve, North of Pretoria around 09h00.
Gauteng MEC for health, Kwara Kekana said that five armed men who were in a white Toyota Quantum at Wonder City Taxi Rank in Soshanguve robbed the vaccination team at gunpoint.
Kekana adds that the perpetrators fled with vaccination programme gadgets which consists of three tablets, one smart phone and six cellphones belonging to the team.
“In another incident which took place last week on the 29 November, a West Rand Health District Services bakkie was hijacked with mobile site equipment and gazebos in Chamdor, Kagiso,” Kekana said.
He was pleased that no one was harmed in both incidents and he said cases were reported at Soshanguve and Kagiso police stations. Furthermore, Kekana mentioned that counselling will be provided to affected staff.
“These senseless acts occurred at a time when the province is ramping up the vaccination programmed by activating more vaccination sites in all the districts in order to vaccinate as many people as possible.
“Our healthcare workers remain the backbone of the health system, even during the pandemic as they continue to play a pivotal role in terms of vaccination programme rollout,” he added.
Concluding, Kekana call on all members of the society to work with law enforcement agencies and to share any information they might have on the two incidents.
